OAR 738-020-0020: Designation of Minimum Standards

(1) Airports other than heliports: (a) An airport that is open to the public shall conform as a minimum to the design and dimensions of General Aviation Airports shown on the drawing "Minimum Standards for General Aviation Airports,” attached as Exhibit 1 hereto. Airports for personal, recreational or emergency use, if not so conforming, may be approved if runway and approaches are adequate for the published operating characteristics and limitations of the aircraft to be accommodated; (b) Sponsors of public-use airports shall have control of approach-departure zones with dimensions appropriate to the purpose and usage of the airport, but in no case extending less than 1,100 feet from end of the runway. Public-use airports which are exempted under ORS 836.080, or which held a license prior to December 25, 1974, are exempt from this requirement; (c) If an airport having dimensions which meet state minimum standards but is deemed by the Director to be inadequate based on the amount and nature of air traffic, the type of aircraft to be accommodated, and the size and operational category of the airport, the design and dimensions of such airport shall conform as nearly as practicable to the applicable standards prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2) Heliports: (a) The landing and take-off area of a rectangular heliport at elevations not over 1,000 feet above sea level shall be not less in length and width than 1-1/2 times the overall length of the helicopter to be accommodated; (b) A circular heliport shall have a minimum diameter equal to 1-1/2 times the overall length of the largest helicopter to be accommodated; (c) For elevations over 1,000 feet above sea level, the above dimensions shall be increased by 15 percent for each 1,000 feet of elevation above the first 1,000 feet; (d) The obstruction-free approach surface shall extend upward and outward from the edge of the landing and take-off area to the enroute altitude at the ratio of eight feet horizontally to one foot vertically (8:1) for a horizontal distance of 4,000 feet where the approach surface is 500 feet wide. The obstruction-free transitional surface or side slope shall extend upward and outward from the edge of the landing and take-off area at the ratio of two feet horizontally to one foot vertically (2:1) for a distance of 250' measured horizontally from the centerline of the landing and take-off area. (3) The Department may waive any requirements contained in this rule as to any particular airport or heliport if it finds, following a documented review, such action to be consistent with safety and public interest. [ED. NOTE: Exhibits referenced are available from the agency.]